Cirencester running club Running Somewhere Else have presented a cheque for £2,540 to local charity Cirencester Signpost.

Celebrating at a club ‘away day’ in South Cerney where they ran the Thames path around the Cotswold Waterpark, the runners headed to The Boathouse to present the cheque to Graham Harris, chairman of Signpost, and trustee Reverend James Taylor.

Over the last year the running club put on numerous fundraisers including fancy dress running events, prize draws and raffles, as well as their annual club race, the Fairford 10k.

Local business St James’ Place also surprised the running club by offering an additional £500 on top of the money already raised. Club members donated much needed food and toiletries to Signpost through the year as well as volunteering to help serve food at the Signpost Christmas meal.

Cirencester Signpost is a charity run by volunteers, who provide help to those in financial hardship, or face loneliness or mental health problems.

The team support in any way they can, whether it’s providing food and sleeping bags, or being someone to trust and talk to.

“At Cirencester Signpost we come alongside those in our community who have issues that limit their quality of life such as facing eviction, mental health and debt,” said Graham Harris.

“Like athletes, anyone can stumble but we are there to catch them when they fall, and with guidance and support, our aim is to get people back on track for the long-term. Success is there for the taking and we all rejoice when that happens.

“On behalf of everyone at our charity, our heartfelt thanks for the efforts of Running Somewhere Else for their amazing fundraising activities. The monies raised will be directed at the most vulnerable in our community and help to transform lives.”

Reverend James Taylor added: “Having just given 140 disadvantaged people a day trip to Weston-super-Mare, for the most the only holiday they will have this year, the donation came at just the right time. We’re so grateful for Running Somewhere Else’s support.”

The running club, which has been operating in Cirencester for over 10 years, are keen to give back to the local community.

The cheque was handed over by David Whitlow, chairman and club coach of Running Somewhere Else, in front of over 30 club members.

“As a friendly amateur running club, our members really embrace the efforts we make towards local charities,” said Whitlow.

“Choosing Signpost to raise money for over the last 12 months was such an easy decision to make after learning about the fantastic work they do for so many people from all walks of life.

“Every year our runners always make a superb effort to take part in all the fun and challenging activities we organise in order to raise as much money as we can for our chosen charity.

“This year had been the most successful fundraising year we have had, and we sincerely hope what we have raised will aid Signpost in helping even more local people.”

Running Somewhere Else already have big plans for their next fundraising events and will soon be choosing a new charity to support over the upcoming year.